Verian partnered with the Dutch Digestive Foundation (Maag Lever Darm Stichting) to examine toilet use and stool-withholding behaviour among Dutch schoolchildren, which was recently published in the international scientific journal JAMA. The study shows that many children deliberately avoid using the toilet at school, with potential consequences for their health and well-being.
The study revealed that many primary and secondary school students postpone or avoid using the toilet during school hours. Key reasons include concerns about hygiene, lack of privacy, and the condition of school toilets.
At the time, the findings received considerable attention from the media as well as professionals in education and healthcare. The research data have since been further analysed by Amsterdam UMC and developed into a scientific article published in JAMA, one of the world’s most prestigious and influential medical journals.
The study found that more than half of primary school pupils (51%) and over seven in ten secondary school students (71%) have deliberately withheld bowel movements during school hours at some point.
Children who withhold bowel movements regularly reported physical complaints such as abdominal pain, nausea, and constipation. Some even sought medical attention for these symptoms.
In the scientific publication, the researchers conclude that toilet avoidance and stool-withholding behaviours are common among schoolchildren and that improvements in the hygiene and privacy of school toilets could help reduce such behaviour, decrease gastrointestinal complaints, and lower healthcare utilisation. Better school toilet facilities may therefore not only support children’s physical health but also contribute to their psychological well-being and academic performance.
Verian was responsible for data collection among a nationally representative sample of Dutch children. This enabled the generation of reliable insights into an issue that often receives limited attention despite its significant impact on the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
The publication demonstrates how carefully conducted survey research can contribute to scientific knowledge and provide practical recommendations for improving public health.